As the all-new 2011 Volkswagen Touareg heads to showrooms there are already reports of a new high-performance model in the works. This R model will likely receive a diesel engine, possibly VW’s 5.0-liter diesel V10 TDI or a 4.2-liter V8. This model is expected to make it to the States by 2012, but until then the top of the line Touareg will feature a supercharged, direct-injection V6 TSI with 333 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque mated to a hybrid module powered by a nickel metal-hydride battery pack — which still moves this lighter generation from 0-62 mph in just 6.5 seconds.

The Aston Martin Cygnet is a bit of an anomaly, and its very existence may be just a creative way to boost Aston’s fleet-wide fuel economy numbers. Essentially a re-badged Toyota iQ, the Cygnet wasn’t initially destined for the U.S. market, since microcars haven’t quite been proven here yet. But new reports suggest that the car might arrive after all in 2012. An all-electric model could also arrive a year later. No official word has yet been given from Aston Martin, but we’ll able to see this microcar in Scion-form early next year.

Toyota is already the king of the hybrid vehicle market, largely due to the popularity of its Prius. But that market dominance hasn’t stopped the automaker from setting even loftier goals for itself. By 2015, Toyota wants to sell five million hybrids. To put that into perspective, Toyota has sold just 2.68 million hybrids globally since introducing the Prius back in 1997. However, with growing demand for hybrids in Japan and in the U.S., not to mention a need boost its fleet-wide fuel economy by 2015, Toyota’s lofty goal isn’t completely far-fetched. Now, if only Toyota can keep those pesky recalls from spoiling its objective.

Toyota Hybrid Sales Press Release

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At the upcoming Paris Motor Show, Mazda will be showing off the Shinari Concept, which is said to feature the new “Kodo” design language. Replacing Mazda’s Nagare design language, elements of the Shinari Concept’s design will carry over to future production vehicles. Mazda’s global head of design, Ikuo Maeda, said the design needed to convey an “intrinsically emotional appeal” and in that regard the design is a success; it’s simply stunning, almost combining a Mazda RX-8 with an Aston Martin Rapide. Find more images of this stunning design closer to the show.

With a boost in power over the standard model, the 2010 Lotus Evora S benefits from an updated Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The new S model also gets a Sport package as standard equipment, which translates into stiffer suspension, powerful cross-drilled brakes, and an unmistakable exhaust note that’s sure to be plenty “dramatic” according to Lotus. Finally, it will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and top out at 172 mph. Stay tuned for additional details on the Evora S when it makes its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS Press Release

The folks at British motoring show Fifth Gear recently tested the all-new Audi A1. The new entry-level compact is truly a forbidden fruit, as Europeans will be the only ones able to get their hands on the car — at least for now. Either way, we can still dream, right? Power for the new A1 comes from two TDI diesels and two TFSI gasoline units which provide anywhere from 84 horsepower to 122 horsepower. These units, combined with its 7-speed S tronic transmission help the A1 deliver fuel economy ranging between 44 miles per gallon and 62 mpg. For even greater details, check out what Fifth Gear thought of the A1 below.

Steering away from the familiar Shift_ campaign that has long been a fixture of the brand, Nissan will now be promoting its new mission of “Innovation for All.” This new campaign arrives in time for the launch of the Nissan Leaf, which is set to be the first mass produced electric vehicle for sale in the U.S. It will also be used to highlight Nissan’s other all-new product, the 2011 Juke sports crossover. With the help of long-time agency TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles, the new campaign is intended to show the innovation that drives every product in Nissan’s lineup.

Nissan Innovation for All Press Release

Mercedes-Benz essentially created the now burgeoning “four-door coupe” market with the CLS-Class back in 2004. This sleek design has since spawned vehicles like the upcoming Audi A7 Sportback, Aston Martin Rapide, and Porsche Panamera to name a few. Now, Mercedes-Benz intends to stay ahead of the pack with the second generation 2012 CLS. Breaking cover just ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is gorgeous inside and out and promises to offer powertrain options that will be more powerful and efficient than the current generation.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Press Release

Later this year the all-new 2011 Audi A7 Sportback will hit the the road in the U.S. The A7 marks Audi’s attempt to compete against the slew of new “four-door coupes” hitting the market, such as the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. Available engines include two diesel and two gas units, including a 2.8-liter FSI and 3.0-liter TFSI V6 that deliver 204 and 300 horsepower, respectively. As for diesels, there will be two 3.0-liter TDI V6 units, one producing 204 hp and the another producing 245 hp. When equipped with the TDI, the A7 is expected to yield as much as 44 miles per gallon. Other available features include all-wheel drive, a heads-up display, and even wireless internet connectivity.

2011 Audi A7 Press Release